"Gentle On My Mind" is not actually a song by Waylon Jennings, but rather a song that he popularized by covering it. The original song was written by John Hartford. The song is about a person who is deeply in love with someone and finds solace in the thought of that person always being there for them, even if they are physically apart. The lyrics describe the comfort and tranquility that the narrator feels knowing that they are always welcome and accepted by their loved one. The line "It's knowing that your door is always open and your path is free to walk" conveys the sense of freedom and security that comes with their relationship. The song also highlights the importance of memories and the power they hold. The phrase "the rivers of my mem'ry" refers to the nostalgic recollections that keep the person connected to their loved one. The memories bring comfort and a sense of familiarity, even in times of separation. The song emphasizes that the love between the two individuals is not dependent on material possessions or societal expectations ("It's not clinging to the rocks and I'd be planted on their columns now that binds me"). It's a love that goes beyond surface-level compatibility and endures regardless of external circumstances. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that despite physical distance or the presence of other potential distractions, the narrator's thoughts are constantly drawn back to their loved one. The mention of "the wheat fields and the clotheslines" and "the junkyards and the highways" symbolizes the various obstacles that might come between them, but ultimately, their connection remains strong. Overall, "Gentle On My Mind" is a heartfelt song about the enduring nature of love and the power of memories to keep a person close, even when they are physically apart.
